Hapag-Lloyd to Acquire ZIM in $4 Billion Deal to Create Fifth Largest Global Container Shipping Company

Hapag-Lloyd to Acquire ZIM in $4 Billion Deal to Create Fifth Largest Global Container Shipping Company

(IN BRIEF) Hapag-Lloyd has agreed to acquire ZIM Integrated Shipping Services in a transaction worth over USD 4 billion, a move that would create one of the world’s largest container shipping companies with more than 400 vessels and capacity exceeding 3 million TEU. As part of the deal, FIMI Opportunity Funds will form a separate Israeli container line to hold ZIM’s Golden Share and maintain strategic national shipping capabilities. The combination is expected to strengthen global trade networks, deliver operational synergies and enhance customer service across key maritime routes, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals targeted for late 2026.

(PRESS RELEASE) HAMBURG, 17-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Hapag-Lloyd has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. in a cash transaction valued at more than USD 4 billion, marking a significant consolidation move in the global container shipping sector. Under the terms of the deal, ZIM shareholders will receive USD 35.00 per share.

Alongside the acquisition, FIMI Opportunity Funds will establish a separate Israeli container liner company through the carve-out of selected assets. This new entity will assume responsibility for ZIM’s Special State Share, known as the Golden Share, and operate a dedicated fleet initially comprising 16 modern vessels. The structure is intended to safeguard Israel’s strategic maritime interests while maintaining strong connectivity to Hapag-Lloyd’s global network.

The combined Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM business is expected to operate a fleet exceeding 400 vessels with a standing capacity of more than 3 million TEU and annual transport volumes above 18 million TEU. This scale would position the merged company as the world’s fifth-largest container shipping line, enhancing service coverage across major trade corridors including the Transpacific, Intra-Asia, Atlantic, Latin America and East Mediterranean routes.

The integration is anticipated to generate several hundred million dollars in annual synergies through complementary route structures, operational efficiencies and shared technological capabilities. Customers are expected to benefit from a more comprehensive network, expanded service offerings and improved connectivity across global supply chains.

The transaction follows a strategic review by ZIM’s board aimed at maximizing shareholder value, while FIMI’s involvement reflects a commitment to maintaining a strong, independent Israeli maritime presence. Until completion, Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM will continue to operate independently, with collaboration limited to existing vessel-sharing and slot charter agreements.

Closing of the transaction remains subject to approval by ZIM shareholders and relevant regulatory authorities, with completion anticipated by late 2026.

About Hapag-Lloyd

With a fleet of 305 modern container ships and a total transport capacity of 2.5 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. In the Liner Shipping segment, the Company has around 14,000 employees and 400 offices in 140 countries. Hapag-Lloyd has a container capacity of 3.8 million TEU – including one of the largest and most modern fleets of reefer containers. A total of 130 liner services worldwide ensure fast and reliable connections between more than 600 ports on all continents. In the Terminal & Infrastructure segment, Hapag-Lloyd has equity stakes in 22 terminals in Europe, Latin America, the United States, India and North Africa. Around 3,000 employees are assigned to the Terminal & Infrastructure segment and provide complementary logistics services at selected locations in addition to the terminal activities.

About ZIM

Founded in Israel in 1945, ZIM (NYSE: ZIM) is a leading global container liner shipping company with established operations in more than 90 countries serving approximately 33,000 customers in over 300 ports worldwide. ZIM leverages digital strategies and a commitment to ESG values to provide customers’ innovative seaborne transportation and logistics services and exceptional customer experience. ZIM’s differentiated global-niche strategy, based on agile fleet management and deployment, covers major trade routes with a focus on select markets where the company holds competitive advantages. Additional information about ZIM is available at www.ZIM.com.

About FIMI

FIMI is the leading private equity firm in Israel with more than $9 billion in assets under management. Since its founding by Ishay Davidi in 1996, FIMI has successfully completed 108 investments, executed 78 exits with total transaction value of more than $6 billion, and raised seven funds. FIMI is the largest industrial body in the Israeli economy and one of the biggest employers in the country. Companies controlled by FIMI have more than 50,000 employees in 50 factories around Israel and another 100 factories and companies worldwide.

Disclaimer

“This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, where applicable, the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on a number of assumptions, estimates, projections or plans that are inherently subject to significant risks, as well as uncertainties and contingencies that are subject to change. Actual results can differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Hapag-Lloyd AG (“Hapag-Lloyd”), including those set forth from time to time in its press releases and reports and those set forth from time to time in its analyst calls and discussions. Forward looking statements speak only as of the date made. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation.

This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation or offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote, consent or approval, in any jurisdiction and no part of this document shall form the basis of or may be relied upon in connection with any offer or commitment whatsoever. This document is made available solely for your information and is subject to change without notice.

The distribution of this press release and the offering of securities, if any, in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this press release comes must inform themselves about, and observe, any such restrictions. This press release is not intended for release, publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in any jurisdiction where to do so would be unlawful.

Additional Important Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (“ZIM”) will prepare a proxy statement to be delivered to its shareholders and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR FURNISHED TO THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN, BECAUSE THE PROXY STATEMENT AND SUCH OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. This press release is not a substitute for the proxy statement or any other document that may be filed or furnished by ZIM with the SEC.

The proxy statement and other related documents filed or furnished to the SEC regarding the proposed transaction may be obtained for free from the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov).”

Media Contacts:

Nils.Haupt
Nils.Haupt@hlag.com
+49 40 3001 – 2263

Tim.Seifert
Tim.Seifert@hlag.com
+49 40 3001 – 2291

SOURCE: Hapag-Lloyd AG